5 killed as bandits ambush police stock-theft unit patrol in Isiolo, Kenya

Five people, including two police officers, were shot dead in a bandit ambush in the Gotu area of Isiolo County on Wednesday morning.

The victims were part of a team pursuing bandits who had stolen livestock when gunmen attacked them. The deceased include two officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, one member of the National Police Reserve, and two civilians. Police arrived at the scene after the attackers had already fled.

Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet led a response team to the area as residents protested and demanded stronger action against banditry.

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo condemned the attack as “deeply saddening and unacceptable.” He said continued killings by armed bandits are spreading fear, disrupting livelihoods, and undermining peace in local communities. Guyo called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and national security agencies to urgently boost security operations in Gotu and surrounding areas through enhanced patrols, better intelligence gathering, and decisive action against those responsible.

“The people of Isiolo deserve to live and work in peace and security,” Guyo said, adding that authorities must act urgently to prevent further loss of innocent lives. He also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to those injured.

Cattle rustling incidents have been rising in the region despite ongoing security efforts. Attackers often cross in from neighbouring counties. In a related incident the previous day in Igembe Central, Meru County, suspected bandits stole more than 120 cattle and shot a herdsman, Haron Mwira, in the knee. He later died from excessive bleeding at a hospital in Kangeta. His body was taken to Nyambene Sub-County Hospital mortuary pending autopsy.

Isiolo and Meru are among the counties covered by Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a multi-county security operation targeting banditry in areas including Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo. While the operation has helped contain some crime, attacks continue. Officials have also stressed long-term measures such as community empowerment and development to address the root causes of cattle rustling in Kenya’s northern frontier and Kerio Valley regions.